Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Star Trek Into Darkness 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Out of the darkness, into the UHD spotlight.

Note: The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.

Paramount makes its way to the ever-growing UHD market with 2013's 'Star Trek Into Darkness,' the second reboot film directed by J.J. Abrams and starring Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan. Can the UHD surpass the excellent 1080p Blu-ray first released in 2013 or, more apropos to this release, the compendium release from 2014? Read on...

Star Trek Into Darkness 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Star Trek Into Darkness receives the UHD/HDR treatment for a genetically superior high definition presentation. Paramount's second of its first two 4K titles is everything fans could want from it. The transfer refines an already superior 1080p presentation that's taken from the "large format" IMAX scan that was first seen on the compendium release from 2014. This version of the film adjusts a number of scenes away from the basic ~2.39:1 aspect ratio and blows them up to a screen-filling 1.78:1. The film's original Blu-ray release offered only the standard wide ratio transfer.

The UHD presentation dazzles. Much like the 2009 film's 4K transfer, this one leaves no detail behind. The organically filmic transfer preserves a very light and accentuating grain layer that helps reproduce an endlessly attractive film-style veneer. Facial details are superb. Intricate pores and stubble are commonplace in close-ups, with even medium-distant shots capturing fine skin details, even in nonhuman characters. Of note are the Nibiru aliens seen early in the film; the heavily textured face paint is practically three dimensional. Surface details are excellent, whether the slick bridge control consoles on the Enterprise, contrasting with the less seen but no less complex Vengeance bridge. Scuffs on shuttles, the heavy wear on the red vehicles Spock and Khan fight atop in the climax, or little touches on Kronos never fail to capture and present a fine tooth world essence. Colors are likewise terrific. The HDR color scheme never pushes them too far or unnaturally beyond what was seen in previous releases. If anything, they're more naturally refined, never too punchy or misrepresentative of accurate, even the bright red vegetation seen in the film's chase sequence open. Black levels hold up very well, and digital effects continue to mesh seamlessly with the filmed elements. Direct comparisons reveal a difference in contrast. The UHD disc is less punchy and more refined in its color palette. Details are clearly improved, particularly evident on close-up shots (look at the aliens in the movie's opening chase sequence, a close-up of a portable transporter device at the 30:46 mark, and any character close-ups). The transfer does the movie right; fans will be ecstatic with what is an honest upgrade over the already reference worthy 1080p presentation.

Note that this set does not contain the 1080p 3D version of the film.

Star Trek Into Darkness 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

That's more like it. Into Darkness arrives on UHD alongside 2009's Star Trek, and both have been upgraded to Dolby Atmos sound. Unlike the 2009 film, which never used the height channels to full effect, Into Darkness offers a fairly wide range of opportunity to enjoy the added layer. While certainly not a priority, the height channels seem more like primaries and less like nice-to-have enhancers. The movie opens with several good examples of the height channel effect, including a spear that whooshes from front to back with a noticeable overhead zip and the Enterprise's ascent from the ocean, an effect that fills the room and literally has the sensation of the massive weight rising and the water falling back down. Strong dialogue reverberation in a scene in which Marcus, Pike, Kirk, Spock, and others discuss the London bombing is aided by the height channels, featuring a nice little bit of extra bounce and movement to the words. Various action scenes find strong overhead support, nothing quite so discrete and prominent as the early movie moments but with enough tangible help up top to make the investment well worth while.

In more generalized terms, the track dazzles. Music is smooth and detailed, with tight and deep low end support, effortless integration from all corners of the stage, and perfect clarity to every note. Action scenes come to life with remarkable zip, weight, and detail, whether a firefight on Kronos or heavy combat between spaceships. Explosions are plentiful and potent. Support atmospherics never relent. Even if it's just the bleeps and bloops that emanate from all over the Enterprise bridge, there's absolutely no shortage of immersive detail to enjoy. Dialogue is clear and detailed with natural center placement and prioritization.

Star Trek Into Darkness 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

All of the extras from The Compendium release carry over on the 1080p feature film and supplemental disc, but only The Mission Continues (2160p, 1:29) is available on the UHD disc. A voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy code is included with purchase. For more detail, please click here. For convenience, below is a list of what's included, and where to find it:

Disc One:

• Enhanced Commentary
• The Mission Continues

• Featurettes
• The Voyage Begins...Again
• Creating the Red Planet
• Introducing the Villain
• Rebuilding the Enterprise
• National Ignition Facility Home of the Core
• Attack on Starfleet
• Aliens Encountered
• The Klingon Home World
• The Enemy of My Enemy
• Vengeance is Coming
• Ship to Ship
• Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock
• Down with the Ship
• Kirk and Spock
• Brawl By the Bay
• Fitting the Future
• Property of Starfleet
• Unlocking the Cut
• Visual Affection
• The Sound of Music (And FX)
• Feature title
• Safety First
• Continuing the Mission
• Gag Reel
• Deleted Scenes
• Trailers

Star Trek Into Darkness 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Star Trek Into Darkness can't match the raw revenge-filled narrative and life-defining themes of Star Trek II, but it's a wonderful re-imagining that gets a lot of it right while forging its own unique identity along the way. It's easy to see why purists could find fault with the movie -- it's action is far more kinetic than any previous Trek film, while the original Khan dazzled with the "less is more" approach -- but within this franchise's established world and considering the demands of a new generation of moviegoers, Into Darkness is about the best-case scenario for a semi-remake of a seminal classic that represents the defining two hours of Star Trek. Paramount's UHD release of Star Trek Into Darkness features exceptional 2160p video and dazzling Atmos sound. No new extras are included, but the carryover material is terrific. A must-own for UHD owners and Star Trek fans.